Control docking unit

ABSTRACT

A control docking unit configured to accept a portable processing unit and provide alternate control operation of the portable processing unit. The control docking unit can be configured to position a display on the portable processing unit to facilitate use of one or more controls provided on the control docking unit. The control docking unit can position the display of the portable processing unit in a fixed or variable position. The controls from the docking unit can be coupled to the portable processing unit using an electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical interface. The electrical interface can be a wired or wireless communication link. The controls on the control docking unit can be configured to be substantially in the same configuration as a control unit for a similar fixed device. The portable processing unit can be configured to provide additional functions, features, or enhanced operation when coupled to the control docking unit.

BACKGROUND

The continual advancement of computer processing power is evident in thefield of computer based gaming. Processor intensive video games wereonce available only in standalone dedicated units manufactured for usein arcades. As computer processing capabilities advanced, the price ofpowerful processors and associated electronics such as memory, interfacechips, and displays, decreased to a level that allowed processor basedgames to be produced for the consumer market.

Processor based games are commonly available for use in conjunction withgeneral purpose computers, such as a personal computer (PC).Additionally, processor based games are commonly available for executionon dedicated gaming platforms, commonly referred to a console systems.More recently, processor based games are available for execution onportable gaming platforms.

Portable processing units, such as portable gaming platforms, may beminiaturized versions of console systems. Portable gaming platforms canintegrate substantially all of the functionality of console systems in asmall, portable form factor. Portable gaming platforms can include oneor more controls, and typically include a display. Other portableprocessing units, such as handheld computing devices, cordless orcellular telephones, and personal digital assistants typically havelimited gaming capabilities.

Arcade units are typically configured to provide a single game, and aretypically not easily reconfigurable. However, platforms such as generalpurpose computers, console systems, and portable gaming platformstypically can be reconfigured to perform different games merely byexecuting different software. The software can be supplied on a disc,magnetic media, memory, or some other storage media or combination ofstorage media. The platforms can be reconfigured by executing thesoftware corresponding to the desired game.

As processor based games migrated from arcade units to console systems,manufacturers of the console systems attempted to emulate the arcadeunits by recreating the look and feel of the game. However, becauseconsole games are configured to support multiple game applications, thecontrollers associated with console games are typically generic, and donot precisely duplicate the controls of arcade games.

Similarly, PCs typically operate using input devices such as a keyboardin combination with a pointing device, such as a computer mouse. Suchinput devices likely do not even remotely duplicate the controlsavailable on an arcade unit. However, PCs typically have one or moreinput ports, which may be labeled as game ports, that can be configuredto accept accessories that can more closely resemble arcade unitcontrols.

Console systems implement increasingly powerful processors and the gamesor applications that can be executed on them become increasinglycomplex. The progression of games does not follow the historic path ofarcade unit to console system. Indeed, the console system oftenrepresents the original platform on which a game is played.

The most popular games are often reconfigured for execution on portableprocessing units, and more particularly, on portable gaming units.However, the small physical size of typically portable processing unitspresents issues relating to duplicating the look and feel of games thatare originally designed for execution on a console system.

The portable gaming unit often dedicates a majority of the userinterface to a display unit. The user interface typically includes thecontrols. However, because of space limitations, the controls of aportable gaming unit often do not duplicate those found on a consolesystem or control accessories available for a PC. At the very least, thecontrols of a portable gaming unit are physically smaller than controlson the other gaming platforms. Often, different control sets areimplemented in to portable gaming units. Thus, it is difficult toduplicate the player experience for a game ported from a console systemto a portable gaming unit.

Additionally, the controls of a portable gaming unit are typically builtinto the unit and are not user serviceable. The controls of portablegaming units typically are subjected to an intense working cycle.However, the user is unable to purchase a new control accessory as canbe done for a typical console system.

The relationship of the controls to the display on a portable gamingunit may not be optimized for many users. However, because the positionof the controls and display are fixed, the user is unable to adjust theconfiguration for user preferences.

Therefore, there are many issues with portable gaming units that are notfound in console systems. However, as the processing power available inportable gaming units improves, portable gaming units will be able toexecute increasingly complex applications. There is a strong likelihoodthat such portable gaming units will continue to be popular.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A control docking unit configured to accept a portable processing unitand provide alternate control operation of the portable processing unit.The control docking unit can be configured to position a display on theportable processing unit to facilitate use of one or more controlsprovided on the control docking unit. The control docking unit canposition the display of the portable processing unit in a fixed orvariable position. The controls from the docking unit can be coupled tothe portable processing unit using an electrical, mechanical, orelectromechanical interface. The electrical interface can be a wired orwireless communication link. The controls on the control docking unitcan be configured to be substantially in the same configuration as acontrol unit for a similar fixed device. The portable processing unitcan be configured to provide additional functions, features, or enhancedoperation when coupled to the control docking unit.

An embodiment of the invention includes a control docking unit thatincludes a body portion and a mechanical interface coupled to the bodyportion and configured to couple to a portable processing unit. Thecontrol docking unit also includes a control module having at least onecontrol positioned on the body portion and a control interface modulecoupled to the control module and configured to provide input to theportable processing unit in response to operation of the at least onecontrol.

An embodiment of the invention includes a control docking unit thatincludes a body portion having dimensions similar to a control modulefor a gaming console system. The control docking unit also includes amechanical interface coupled to the body portion and configured tocouple to a portable gaming platform, a control module having at leastone control positioned on the body portion, and a control interfacemodule coupled to the control module and configured to provide input tothe portable gaming platform in response to operation of the at leastone control.

An embodiment of the invention includes a control docking unit thatincludes a body portion, means for coupling the body portion to aportable processing unit, means for accepting user input positioned onthe body portion, and means for providing input to the portableprocessing unit in response to operation of the means for accepting userinput.

An embodiment of the invention includes a method of operating a portableprocessing unit, that includes initializing an application, determininga presence of a control docking unit, and initializing docking unitcontrols in response to determining the presence of the control dockingunit. The method can also include initializing an enhanced feature inthe application in response to determining the presence of the controldocking unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, objects, and advantages of embodiments of the disclosurewill become more apparent from the detailed description set forth belowwhen taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like elements bearlike reference numerals.

FIGS. 1A-1D are simplified diagrams of embodiments of a portable unitdocked to a control docking unit.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of a controldocking unit with a portable unit.

FIG. 3 is a simplified flowchart of an embodiment of a method ofoperating a portable unit coupled to a control docking unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A control docking unit and methods of operating a system with a controldocking unit are disclosed. The control docking unit can be configuredto accept a portable processing unit and provide a set of alternatecontrols for the portable processing unit. In one embodiment, thecontrol portion of the docking unit can substantially duplicate thecontrols associated with a distinct processing unit, such as a consolesystem.

The portable processing unit can mechanically couple to the controldocking unit using any of a variety of mechanical structures. Forexample, the portable processing unit can mechanically couple to thecontrol docking unit using a physical interference, one or morefasteners, clamps, brackets, and the like, or a combination ofmechanical couplings.

The controls of the control docking unit can couple to the portableprocessing unit using an electrical, mechanical, or electromechanicalcoupling. The control docking unit can be configured to communicatecontrol information to the portable processing unit using wired,wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless communication links.Alternatively, or additionally, the control docking unit can communicatecontrol information to the portable processing unit using mechanicalcoupling. For example, controls on the control docking unit canmechanically couple to controls on the portable processing unit, suchthat actuation of a control on the control docking unit results in acorresponding actuation of a control on the portable processing unit.

FIG. 1A is a simplified diagram of an embodiment of a portableprocessing unit 10 docked in a control docking unit 20. In theembodiment of FIG. 1A, the portable processing unit 10 is captured in areceptacle. The receptacle may, but need not encapsulate the entireportable processing unit 10. In other embodiments, the control dockingunit 20 can include one or more clamps, fingers, extensions, and thelike for positioning the portable processing unit 10. In one embodiment,one or more clips or snaps can retain the portable processing unit 10 tothe receptacle. The control docking unit 20 may also utilize fasteners,loops, adhesives, and the like, or some combination thereof to couplethe portable processing unit 10 to the control docking unit 20.

Portions of the control docking unit 20 can cover some or all of a frontsurface of the portable processing unit 10. Portions of the controldocking unit 20 can be substantially transparent, such as portionsoverlaying the display 12 on the portable processing unit 10. Otherportions of the control docking unit 20 may be opaque, and may occludesome or all of the controls 14 on the portable processing unit 10. Insome embodiments, substantially all of the controls 14 of the portableprocessing unit 10 are accessible when the portable processing unit 10is coupled to the control docking unit 10.

The control docking unit 20 can include controls 22 that can be used tocontrol the portable processing unit 10 when it is coupled to thecontrol docking unit 20. The controls 22 can be positioned on a bodyportion 24. The controls 22 and body portion 24 can be configured tosubstantially duplicate the form of a control unit for a similarprocessing system. For example, the body portion 24 and controls 22 canbe configured to substantially duplicate a control unit used with aconsole system. Thus, when the control docking unit 20 is used tocontrol an associated portable processing unit 10, the operation andfeel of the controls is the same as a control unit for a console system.For example, the controls 22 can include button positioned on the leftand right hand side of the control docking unit 20 as well as an analogstyle stick controls positioned on each side and configured to beoperated with the corresponding hand.

A manufacturer can produce both a console system and a portable gamingunit. The manufacturer or some third party application developer canprovide similar applications or games that execute on each of theoperating platforms. For example, a developer can develop a version of agame originally developed for a console system for execution on theportable gaming unit. The user can use the control docking unit 20 sothat the controls used to play the game on the portable gaming unit arethe same as when the game is played on the console system.

In one embodiment, the control docking unit 20 can have a physicalconfiguration that substantially duplicates a physical configuration fora controller of a console system having the same manufacturer as theportable processing unit 10 for which it is designed. In anotherembodiment, the physical configuration of the control docking unit 20can substantially duplicate the physical configuration of a crossplatform, where a cross platform refers to another manufacturers consolesystem, another manufacturer's portable processing unit, an arcade unit,a PC based controller, and the like. In a cross platform configuration,the user can use a preferred control configuration regardless of themanufacturer of the portable processing unit 10.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the embodiment of the portable processing unit10 docked in the control docking unit 20 shown in FIG. 1A. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the control docking unit 20 utilizes aflexible clip 28 to retain the portable processing unit 10 within areceptacle that extends along the back of the portable processing unit10.

The lower end of the receptacle includes a hinge 26 that allows thereceptacle and associated portable processing unit 10 to rotate relativeto the control portion of the control docking unit 20. The hinge 26allows the user to adjust the orientation of the portable processingunit 10 when captured in the control docking unit 20.

FIG. 1C is a view of another embodiment of a portable processing unit 10coupled to a control docking unit 20. In the embodiment of FIG. 1C, atleast a portion of the portable processing unit 10 fits into areceptacle of the control docking unit 20. The orientation of theportable processing unit 10 is fixed when captured in the controldocking unit 20.

A portion of the control docking unit 20 can cover some or all of thecontrols on the portable processing unit 10. In such an embodiment, auser is unable to directly access at least some of the controls of theportable processing unit 10. A user accesses the controls of the controldocking unit 20 to control at least some of the operations of theportable processing unit 10 when it is docked to the control dockingunit 20.

FIG. 1D shows a cross sectional view of the portable processing unit 10coupled to the control docking unit 20. The view details an embodimentof a mechanical coupling between a control 34 on the control dockingunit and a corresponding control 16 on the portable processing unit 10.It is possible to reduce or eliminate the amount of electricalconnections and active devices within the control docking unit 20 byimplementing mechanical coupling.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1D, a control 34 on the control dockingunit 20, such as a button or switch, can be configured to apply pressureto a flexible lever 32 when depressed or otherwise operated. Theflexible lever 32 can be fastened at one end to a mount 36 within thecontrol docking unit 20.

The control 34 can be configured with a stop or otherwise can beconfigured to provide a mechanical limit to the range of operation.Thus, regardless of the force exerted on the control 34 of the controldocking unit 20, the amount of operating force applied by the flexiblelever 32 to the control 16 of the portable processing unit 10 isconstrained to a predetermined range. Limiting the force applied to thecontrol 16 of the portable processing unit 10 may be advantageous inprolonging the life of the control 16.

Of course, a mechanical coupling does not require the use of a flexiblelever 32 and other configurations for mechanical coupling may beimplemented by the control docking unit 20. For example, a control 34 orbutton on the control docking unit 20 may be positioned substantiallyover the corresponding control 16 on the portable processing unit 10,such that operation of the control 34 is directly translated tocorresponding control 16 on the portable processing unit 10. In anotherembodiment, the mechanical coupling between the control 34 on thecontrol docking unit 20 and the corresponding control 16 on the portableprocessing unit 10 may be accomplished using electromechanical devices,pneumatic devices, hydraulic devices, or some other apparatus orcombination of apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a simplified functional block diagram of an embodiment of aportable processing unit 10 coupled to a control docking unit 20. Theembodiment of the control docking unit 20 includes numerous optionalmodules that may be omitted from other embodiments. Additionally, eachof the modules within the control docking unit 20 can have multipleembodiments and variations.

The embodiment of the portable processing unit 10 is representative oftypical portable processing units. Not all portable processing unitswill have every module shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2.

The portable processing unit 10 includes a display 110 that isconfigured to provide visual output to a user. The portable processingunit 10 can also include controls or some type of user interface 120.The portable processing unit 10 can include a power supply 140 andinput/output interface 130.

The portable processing unit 10 typically includes a processor 152 incommunication with memory 154. The processor 152 typically accesses thememory 154 to access and execute one or more applications stored inmemory 154. The memory 154 can include one or more memory modules. Someor all of the memory modules can be removable memory modules. In otherembodiments, some or all of the memory modules are internal to theportable processing unit 10 and are permanently fixed to the unit. Thememory 154 can include, but is not limited to, ROM, including EPROM andEEPROM, RAM, including volatile and non-volatile RAM, FLASH, magneticstorage, optical storage, and the like, or some combination of storagedevices.

In one embodiment, the memory 154 can include removable optical disksconfigured to store application program information that can be executedby the processor 152. In other embodiments, the memory 154 can includeremovable electronic storage, such as cartridges, cards, or modules thatcan include application program information that can be executed by theprocessor 152.

The user interface 120 typically includes one or more controls that canbe accessed and operated by the user. Although the user interface isshown distinct from the display 110, it is understood that one or moreuser interface modules can be operable via the display 110, for example,the display 110 can be implemented as a touch screen display, and one ormore “soft” keys or controls can be implemented on the display 110.

The I/O interface 130 can include one or more ports that allow externalinterface with the portable processing unit 10. The one or more portscan be physical ports or electronic ports. The physical ports can beimplemented on the housing of the portable processing unit 10, while theelectronic ports may not be physically visible. For example, the I/Ointerface 130 can include one or more output jacks that can be used tointerface with external speakers, headphones, microphones, externalcontrollers, external displays, and the like. The I/O interface 130 canalso include one or more power jacks or ports that can be used to supplypower to the portable processing unit 10 or that can be used to sourcepower from the portable processing unit 10. The I/O interface 130 canalso include such electronic interfaces such as wireless communicationinterfaces, which can include RF interfaces, optical interfaces,magnetic interfaces, and the like. A wireless interface can operate inaccordance with an industry standard, such as IEEE 802.11 wirelessstandard. An optical interface can include an IR interface.

The power supply 140 can include an internal power supply or an externalpower supply, or some combination of internal and external powersupplies. For example, the power supply 140 can include a battery modulehaving one or more batteries internal to the portable processing unit10. The battery module can allow the portable processing unit 10 tooperate independent of any wired power grid or wired power supply. Inanother embodiment, the portable processing unit 10 can include aninternal power converter that can be configured to accept an externalpower source, such as AC power, and can convert the power to a formusable by the portable processing unit 10. In other embodiments, thepower supply 140 can include an external power converter, such as a walltransformer, that is configured to plug into a power source and providepower to the portable processing unit 10. The power converters can beconfigured to concurrently power the portable processing unit 10 andcharge the battery module where the power supply 140 includes acombination of power converter and battery module.

The control docking unit 20 can be configured to couple with theportable processing unit 10. In one embodiment, the control docking unit20 can be configure to couple with a single type of portable processingunit 10. In other embodiments, the control docking unit 20 can beconfigured as a generic unit that is able to couple to more than onetype of portable processing unit 10. In other embodiments, the controldocking unit 20 can be configured to couple with predetermined types orfamilies of portable processing units 10.

The control docking unit 20 can be configured to substantially duplicatethe controls of some other control unit. For example, the controldocking unit 20 can provide substantially the same size and controlorientation of a controller for a console system. In one embodiment, thecontrol docking unit 230 is configured to support a portable gamingplatform from a first manufacturer, and the control docking unit 20 isconfigured to provide substantially the same size and controlorientation as a controller for a console system from the firstmanufacturer. In another embodiment, the control docking unit 20 can beconfigured to provide substantially the same size and controlorientation as a controller for a console system from a secondmanufacturer distinct from the first manufacturer.

The control docking unit 20 can include a mechanical interface 210. Themechanical interface 210 may be integral to the control docking unit 20or may extend from a body portion of the control docking unit 20. Themechanical interface 210 is configured to couple to the portableprocessing unit 10.

The control docking unit 20 can also include a control module 220 thatincludes one or more controls accessible and operable by the user. Thecontrols in the control module 220 can couple to a control interfacemodule 230 where operation of a control on the control module 220 istranslated by the control interface module 230 to a form a usable by theportable processing unit 10.

The control interface module 230 can also be configured to receiveexternal input, for example, from the portable processing unit 10. Thecontrol interface module 230 can couple the external input to one ormore of the other modules. For example, the control docking unit 20 caninclude a haptic feedback module 240 that provides haptic feedback toone or more of the controls in the control module 220. The controlinterface module 230 can receive the haptic feedback information fromthe portable processing unit 10 and format the information for use bythe haptic feedback module 240.

The control docking unit 20 can also include one or more accessory ports250. The control docking unit 20 can also include a power supply module260.

The mechanical interface 210 can be configured to support, mate, orotherwise couple to the portable processing unit 10. In one embodiment,the mechanical interface 210 is configured to allow a user to vary theorientation of the portable processing unit 10 relative to a bodyportion of the control docking unit. As shown in FIG. 1B, the mechanicalinterface 210 can include a hinge that allows the portable processingunit 10 to rotate along the hinge axis. Other configurations can be usedto allow repositioning of the portable processing unit 10. For example,the mechanical interface 210 can include one or more rotating mount,flexible mount, extendible mount, and the like to allow repositioning ofthe portable processing unit 10.

The mechanical interface 210 can include any manner of securing theportable processing unit 10 to the control docking unit 20. For example,the mechanical interface 210 can include one or more fasteners,receptacles, adhesive portions, clamps, springs, latches, and the liketo secure the portable processing unit 10.

The mechanical interface 210 can be configured to allow access to someor all of the controls on the portable processing unit 10. For example,the mechanical interface 210 can allow the user to access and operateone or more of the controls on the portable processing unit 10 whencoupled to the control docking unit 20. In another embodiment, themechanical interface 210 can be configured to occlude or prevent accessto one or more controls on the portable processing unit 10.Additionally, the mechanical interface 210 can be configured to coversome or all of the display 110 on the portable processing unit 10. Thecover can be at least partially transparent to allow the user to viewthe display 110. Alternatively, a portion of the cover can besubstantially opaque, such that portions of the portable processing unit10 are no longer visible when the portable processing unit 10 is coupledto the control docking unit 20.

The control interface module 230 can be coupled to the control module220 and can operate to receive input signals from the control module 220and process the input to a format suitable for communication to theportable processing unit 10. The control interface 230 can include amechanical interface, electrical interface, electromechanical interface,or some combination of interfaces.

The control interface module 230 can be configured to determine that aportable processing unit 10 is coupled to the control docking unit 20.The control interface unit 230 can be configured to indicate to theportable processing unit 10 the presence of the control docking unit 20when the two are coupled.

The control interface 230 can couple signals to the portable processingunit 10 using a wired connection or a wireless connection. A wiredconnection can be made through a port or connector on the portableprocessing unit 10 via the mechanical interface 210. Alternatively, thecontrol interface module 230 can include one or more cables, wires, orconnections that may separately mate with a connector, port, orreceptacle on the portable processing unit 10.

The control interface module 230 can include one or more wirelessinterfaces that are configured to communicate with complementaryinterfaces on the portable processing unit 10. For example, the controlinterface module 230 can receive control input from the controls on thecontrol module 220 and process them to wireless signals that arebroadcast or otherwise communicated to the portable processing unit 10.The wireless signals can include RF signals that operate in accordancewith a proprietary standard or an industry standard for example, thecontrol interface module 230 can transform control inputs to IEEE 802.11RF signals that are transmitted to a complementary interface on theportable processing unit 10. In another embodiment, the controlinterface module 230 can transform the control input signals to opticalsignals, such as IR signals, that are coupled to an IR receiver on theportable processing unit 10.

If the interface between the controls on the control module 220 and thecontrols on the portable processing unit 10 include mechanicalinterfaces, the control interface 230 can include on or more mechanicalinterfaces coupling the two. Some interfaces can include a combinationof mechanical and electrical interfaces, and the control interfacemodule 230 can be configured to provide the appropriate function.

The control interface module 230 can also operate to receive input fromone or more external devices. The control interface module 230 can becoupled to the accessory ports 250 and can receive and process signalsreceived by the accessory ports 250 for transmission or coupling to theportable processing unit 10. The control interface module 230 can alsoreceive

The accessory ports 250 can include one or more ports configured tocouple and interface with one or more external devices. For example, theaccessory ports can include a connector configured to accept a wiredconnector, such as a wired connector from a controller of a consolesystem. In this embodiment, the control docking unit 20 can operate as ahub to allow the connection of multiple controllers.

In another embodiment, the accessory ports 250 can include one or moreoutput ports or bidirectional communication ports. For example, oneaccessory port can be a display port that is configured to supplydisplay signals for an external display. In another embodiment, the oneor more output ports can include one or more audio ports configured toprovide audio output or electrical signals for an audio output device.

The control interface module 230 can also receive communications orcontrols from the portable processing unit 10. For example, the controlinterface module 230 can receive haptic feedback information from theportable processing unit 10 during execution of an application. Thecontrol interface module 230 can process the haptic feedback informationand communicate it to the haptic feedback module 240 where the hapticfeedback can be coupled to the control module 220 or one or moreexternal devices, via the accessory ports 250.

The power supply module 260 can be configured to power the controldocking unit 20, the portable processing unit, or a combination of thecontrol docking unit 20 and the portable processing unit 10. Similar tothe power supply 140 within the portable processing unit 10, the powersupply module 260 in the control docking unit 20 can include somecombination of power supplies in conjunction with a battery module.

In one embodiment, the power supply module 260 operates to power theportable processing unit 10 and recharge batteries in the portableprocessing unit 10 when the portable processing unit 10 is coupled tothe control docking unit 20. In another embodiment, the power supplymodule 260 can include one or more power filters or conditioners and thecontrol docking unit 20 can operate from power supplied by the portableprocessing unit 10. In another embodiment, the power supply module 260can be configured to supply power to the control docking unit 20independent to the portable processing unit 10.

The portable processing unit 10 can be configured to operatesubstantially the same when coupled to the control docking unit 20. Thatis, in one embodiment, the portable processing unit 10 utilizes thecontrol docking unit as a controller. In another embodiment, operationof the portable processing unit 10 may differ when coupled to thecontrol docking unit 20.

For example, an application executing on the portable processing unit 10may operate in one configuration when the portable processing unit 10operates independently and may operate in another configuration when theportable processing unit 10 is coupled to the control docking unit 20and operates in conjunction with the control docking unit 20. In such anembodiment, the application executing on the portable processing unit 10can be configured to provide additional or extended features that takeadvantage of the control docking unit 20.

In one embodiment, the portable processing unit 10 can determine that itis coupled to the control docking unit 20 and the execution of anapplication can differ when the portable processing unit 10 is coupledto the control docking unit 20. Because the portable processing unit 10may have a different control configuration than that offered on thecontrol docking unit 20, the portable processing unit 10 may beconfigured to support the control configuration offered on the controldocking unit 20. For example, the portable processing unit 10 can beconfigure to accept control inputs via a wireless interface when coupledto the control docking unit 20 and can allow additional or differentcontrol inputs for the application. In another embodiment, theapplication executing on the portable processing unit 10 can beconfigured to provide enhanced functionality or features when theportable processing unit 10 is coupled to the control docking unit 20.

FIG. 3 is a simplified flowchart of an embodiment of a method 300 ofoperating a portable processing unit coupled to a control docking unit.The method 300 can be performed by the portable processing unit inconjunction with the control docking unit, except for the initialcoupling step that can be performed by a user of the portable processingunit for example, the method 300 can be performed by the units shown inFIG. 2.

The method 300 begins at block 310 where a user couples the portableprocessing unit to the control docking unit. The process of coupling theportable processing unit to the control docking unit can includesecuring the portable processing unit to the predetermined location ofthe control docking unit. Coupling the portable docking unit may alsoinclude connecting one or more electrical connectors or operating one ormore mechanical retainers.

In one embodiment, the user couples the portable processing unit to thecontrol docking unit with the portable processing unit de-energized orin an “off” or “standby” condition. In another embodiment, the user cancouple the portable processing unit to the control docking unit witheither the portable processing unit, the control docking unit, or bothunits in an operational state. Coupling the two units when either unitis energized may be referred to as hot docking of the unit, where theterm “hot” generally refers to electrically energized.

After coupling the two units, the user can proceed to block 320. Theuser, or alternatively, the portable processing unit can initialize anapplication. If the portable processing unit and control docking unitare coupled with either or both de-energized, the user may manuallyenergize one or both units. In another embodiment, the user may onlyneed to energize one of the units and the unit may energize thecomplementary unit.

Once the units are energized, the portable processing unit caninitialize an application. In one embodiment, the user selects anapplication and instructs the portable processing unit to initialize theapplication. In such an embodiment, the portable processing unit canreceive an application selection and receive an initialization commandor instruction.

In another embodiment, the portable processing unit can automaticallyselect and initialize an application when it is energized. In anotherembodiment, the portable processing unit can be configured toautomatically select and initialize an application upon receipt of aremovable memory module having the application stored thereon. In yetanother embodiment, the portable processing unit can select andinitialize an application upon sensing a hot docking operation.

After initializing the application, the portable processing unit canproceed to block 330 and determine the presence of the control dockingunit. The portable processing unit can be configured to determine thepresence of the control docking unit automatically, via user input, orvia a combination of automatic operation and user input.

In one embodiment, the portable processing unit may automaticallydetermine the presence of a control docking unit based on a mechanicalinterface between the two units. For example, an extension or protrusionpositioned on the control docking unit can compress a button or controlon the portable processing unit. In another embodiment, the controldocking unit can include an extension or protrusion positioned on theportable docking unit can occlude an optical link on the portableprocessing unit, thereby indicating the presence of a control dockingunit.

In another embodiment, the portable processing unit can determine thepresence of a control docking unit using electrical processes. Forexample, the control docking unit may broadcast its presence and theportable processing unit may be configured to receive the broadcast. Inanother embodiment, the portable processing unit may poll or otherwiserequest a link with a control docking unit and the control docking unitcan be configured to respond to such a polling message.

In yet another embodiment, the portable processing unit may have one ormore controls or control sequences that may be entered by a user toindicate the presence of the control docking unit. In such anembodiment, the portable processing unit determines a presence of thecontrol docking unit in response to the receipt of the control input orsequence of control inputs.

In another embodiment, the application may query the user as to thepresence of the control docking unit, and the portable processing unitcan determine the presence of the portable processing unit in responseto the user input to the query. In an application based embodiment, theportable processing unit may determine the presence of the controldocking unit solely in response to the user input and regardless of anyphysical coupling to the control docking unit. In another embodiment,the portable processing unit may determine the presence of the controldocking unit by monitoring the user input to the application query andin combination with one or more physical sensors.

After determining the presence of the control docking unit, the portableprocessing unit can proceed to block 340 and initialize the docking unitcontrol. In one embodiment, the portable processing unit may initializea wireless link that is used to communicate user input received at thecontrol docking unit to the portable processing unit. The portableprocessing unit may also configure the application to accept the rangeof user inputs defined by the control processing unit. For example, thecontrol docking unit may have more or different user controls than areavailable on the portable processing unit, and the portable processingunit may configure the application to an alternative command setcorresponding to the control docking unit.

After initializing or otherwise enabling the controls of the controldocking unit, the portable processing unit can proceed to block 350 andinitialize any enhanced features or alternative execution available inthe presence of the control docking unit.

It may be illustrative to examine an example of the method 300 of FIG. 3in the context of a portable processing unit that is implemented as aportable gaming platform. In one embodiment, a portable processing unitcan be a portable gaming platform, such as a PSP™ available from Sony.

The portable gaming platform can be configured to play many games thatwere originally designed for the PS™ or PS2™ console systems and thatwere ported for execution on the portable gaming platform. The controldocking unit can be configured to have a body portion that hassubstantially the same control configuration, operation, and dimensionsas a controller for the PS™ or PS2™ console systems. Thus, when playinga game ported to execute on the portable gaming platform, the user canutilize substantially, if not identically, the same control sequence asused with the console system.

The user can couple the portable gaming platform to the control dockingunit and can initialize both the portable gaming platform as well as thecontrol docking unit. As described earlier, energizing the controldocking unit may energize and initialize the portable gaming platform.

The user can then select and initialize a game. For example, the usercan insert a game disk into the portable gaming platform and initializethe game. The user can initialize the game using the controls on theportable gaming platform, or alternatively, can initialize the gameusing the controls of the control docking unit.

In one embodiment, the portable gaming unit can initialize the controlsof the control docking unit prior to initializing the application. Theportable gaming platform can utilize a wireless communication link, forexample a wireless LAN, to communicate the control information.

The application can query the user for operation using the controldocking unit. The application, via the portable gaming unit, candetermine the presence of the control docking unit and can initializethe docking unit controls.

The portable gaming platform can then enable or otherwise make availableenhanced features or alternative execution that is available when it isdetermined that the control docking unit is present. The user can thenuse the controls available on the control docking unit to play the gameand control the portable gaming unit.

A control docking unit for use with a portable processing unit andmethods for operating a portable processing unit when docked with acontrol docking unit are described. The control docking unit can beconfigured to provide a physical and control interface that facilitatesuser control of the portable processing unit. The physical dimensionsand the control layout of the body portion of the control docking unitcan be configured to substantially duplicate similar control units. Forexample, the control docking unit can be configured to substantiallyduplicate the dimensions and controls available on a controller for aconsole gaming system.

The portable processing unit can be configured to operate in response tothe controls of the control docking unit. In some embodiments, theportable processing unit can be configured to provide enhanced orspecial features within applications when coupled to the control dockingunit.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implementedor performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processor, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A generalpurpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, theprocessor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or statemachine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination ofcomputing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and amicroprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or moremicroprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, non-volatilememory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, aremovable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known inthe art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor suchthe processor can read information from, and write information to, thestorage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integralto the processor.

The steps of a method, process, or algorithm described in connectionwith the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly inhardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in acombination of the two. The various steps or acts in a method or processmay be performed in the order shown, or may be performed in anotherorder. Additionally, one or more process or method steps may be omittedor one or more process or method steps may be added to the methods andprocesses. An additional step, block, or action may be added in thebeginning, end, or intervening existing elements of the methods andprocesses.

The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enableany person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the disclosure.Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thespirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intendedto be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosedherein.

1. A control docking apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a bodyportion; a mechanical interface coupled to the body portion andconfigured to couple to a portable processing unit; a control modulehaving at least one control positioned on the body portion; and acontrol interface module coupled to the control module and configured toprovide input to the portable processing unit in response to operationof the at least one control.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thebody portion has substantially a same dimension as a controller for agaming console system.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein themechanical interface comprises a receptacle configured to receive atleast a portion of the portable processing unit.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the mechanical interface comprises a receptacle withinthe body portion and configured to receive at least a portion of theportable processing unit.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein themechanical interface comprises an adjustable mount configured to allowreorienting of the portable processing unit relative to the bodyportion.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mechanical interfacecomprises means for adjusting an orientation of the portable processingunit relative to the body portion.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe mechanical interface comprises a hinged mount.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the mechanical interface comprises a portion configuredto obscure at least a portion of a user interface on the portableprocessing unit.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mechanicalinterface comprises a mount configured to allow user access tosubstantially all of a user interface on the portable processing unit.10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control module comprises atleast one limiter configured to limit a mechanical travel of at leastone control.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control modulecomprises a keypad.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controlmodule comprises a plurality of keypads positioned on the body portionto facilitate thumb operation.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecontrol interface module comprises a mechanical interface configured tocouple an operation of a control from the control module to acorresponding control positioned on the portable processing unit. 14.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control interface module comprisesan electrical interface configured to provide an electrical signal tothe portable processing unit in response to operation of the at leastone control.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control interfacemodule comprises a wireless interface configured to transmit a wirelesssignal to the portable processing unit in response to operation of theat least one control.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein thewireless interface comprises a wireless communication link selected fromthe group consisting of an RF link, an optical link, an audio link, or acombination of RF, optical, and audio links.
 17. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the control interface module comprises a receiver configuredto couple one or more signals from the portable processing unit to oneor more modules of the control docking apparatus.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a haptic feed back module coupled to thecontrol interface module and configured to provide haptic feedback tothe control module.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising atleast one accessory port coupled to the control interface module andconfigured to allow coupling an external device with the portableprocessing unit.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the accessoryport comprises at least one receptacle positioned on the body portionand configured to receive a wired connector.
 21. The apparatus of claim19, wherein the accessory port comprises a wireless receiver.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power supply moduleconfigured to supply power to at least the control interface module. 23.The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the power supply module is configuredto supply power to the portable processing unit when the portableprocessing unit is coupled to the control docking apparatus.
 24. Theapparatus of claim 22, wherein the power supply module is configured toreceive power from the portable processing unit coupled to the controldocking apparatus and direct the power to at least the control interfacemodule.
 25. A control docking apparatus, the apparatus comprising: abody portion having dimensions similar to a control module for a gamingconsole system; a mechanical interface coupled to the body portion andconfigured to couple to a portable gaming platform; a control modulehaving at least one control positioned on the body portion; and acontrol interface module coupled to the control module and configured toprovide input to the portable gaming platform in response to operationof the at least one control.
 26. A control docking apparatus, theapparatus comprising: a body portion; means for coupling the bodyportion to a portable processing unit; means for accepting user inputpositioned on the body portion; and means for providing input to theportable processing unit in response to operation of the means foraccepting user input.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the meansfor providing input to the portable processing unit comprises means forproviding a wireless signal to the portable processing unit.
 28. Theapparatus of claim 26, wherein the means for providing input to theportable processing unit comprises means for providing a mechanicalforce to a control positioned on the portable processing unit.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 26, further comprising means for supplying electricalpower to the control docking apparatus.
 30. A method of operating aportable processing unit, the method comprising: initializing anapplication; determining a presence of a control docking unit; andinitializing docking unit controls in response to determining thepresence of the control docking unit.
 31. The method of claim 30,further comprising initializing an enhanced feature in the applicationin response to determining the presence of the control docking unit. 32.The method of claim 30, wherein initializing the application comprises:receiving an application selection; and receiving an initializationinstruction.
 33. The method of claim 30, wherein initializing theapplication comprises: receiving a removable memory module having theapplication stored thereon; and initializing the application byaccessing the memory module.
 34. The method of claim 30, whereininitializing the application comprises: sensing a hot docking of theportable processing unit with the control docking unit; and initializingthe application upon sensing the hot docking.
 35. The method of claim30, wherein determining the presence of the control docking unitcomprises determining the control docking unit is present based on amechanical interface between the portable processing unit and thecontrol docking unit.
 36. The method of claim 30, wherein determiningthe presence of the control docking unit comprises determining thecontrol docking unit is present based on an electrical process.
 37. Themethod of claim 30, wherein determining the presence of the controldocking unit comprises: broadcasting a message indicating presence ofthe portable processing unit; and receiving a response from the controldocking unit in response to the broadcast message.
 38. The method ofclaim 30, wherein determining the presence of the control docking unitcomprises: querying a user of the presence of the control docking unit;and receiving user response indicative of the presence of the controldocking unit.
 39. The method of claim 30, wherein initializing dockingunit controls comprises initializing a wireless link communicating userinput received by the control docking unit.
 40. The method of claim 30,wherein initializing docking unit controls comprises configuring theapplication to accept user input received at the control docking unit.41. The method of claim 30, wherein initializing docking unit controlscomprises enabling one or more controls on the control docking unit.